Final LakeMusic Series This Weekend

The final weekend of the Canandaigua LakeMusic Festival at Finger Lakes Community College begins with a trio inspired by composers from South America and the Caribbean and ends with Columbian artists Benito Meza and Samuel Torres paired with members of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Friday, July 21 concert, “Chalaca,” is named for the trio comprised of harpist Bridget Kibbey, clarinetist Benito Meza and percussionist Samuel Torres. Their works are inspired by composers who have immigrated to the United States from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

The Sunday, July 23 “Finale: Mozart in the Jungle” features Latin-inspired, original works by Meza on clarinet and Torres on drums followed by RPO musicians Melissa Matson on viola, Patricia Sunwoo on violin, and festival co-artistic directors Kevin Kumar and Amy Sue Barston on violin and cello, respectively. The second half will feature Mozart’s “Quintet in A Major for Clarinet and Strings.”

Friday’s concert begins following a 7:15 p.m. pre-concert chat by the performers. Sunday’s concert will begin following a 1:45 p.m. pre-concert chat. They are held in FLCC’s Student Center Auditorium, 3325 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua.

Single concert tickets are $10 for students and $28 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the customer service counter at all area Wegmans stores. Tickets and more information are also available on the festival’s website, www.lakemusicfestival.org or by contacting Alan Braun, executive director, at (585) 412-6353 or info@canandaigualakemusic.org.

Launched in 2005, LakeMusic began as a series of concerts in area churches. In 2012 festival organizers partnered with FLCC and relocated the festival’s four formal main performances to the auditorium in the college’s Student Center. LakeMusic’s organizers strive to make chamber music accessible to those who may have had little exposure. From the stage, musicians introduce themselves and each piece, explaining why it was selected and offering background on the composer.